Hurricanes and hurricane-strength windstorms are a reality in Florida. Homeowners need effective ways to protect themselves from these weather concerns. Many homeowners have heard about hurricane clips as a way to reinforce their homes. If you own a home, perhaps you’ve asked if hurricane clips can be retrofitted to a house. Possibly, you’ve wondered if other viable options exist to strengthen your home’s resistance to powerful winds.
Adding Hurricane Clips To An Existing Home
In extremely windy conditions, a roof faces an elevated risk of tearing away from a home’s walls. Hurricane clips (also called hurricane ties or hurricane straps) are metal connectors that strengthen and reinforce the connection between the roof and the adjoining walls. Building codes in many municipalities throughout Florida recommend or require hurricane clips on new home construction.
Roofers can sometimes retrofit hurricane clips to homes to increase the home’s wind load capacity. The ability to add hurricane clips depends on a house’s structural layout. However, the most convenient time to install hurricane clips is during the roof replacement process. Otherwise, the installer may need to remove drywall or other existing features to access particular spaces.
Other Solutions To Reinforcing Your Home
Consider these potential answers to how a homeowner can strengthen their home:
1. Reinforce Overhangs, Ridge Vents, & Soffits
Assess your home’s roofing system and adjoining components to identify weak points. Loose connections may cause catastrophic damage to a house, especially a roof. Securing these features to a home by strengthening their connection points will substantially reduce the likelihood of loss if a hurricane-force wind strikes the house.
2. Assess Vulnerable Entry Points
Home professionals view the average house as having four areas requiring reinforcement in the event of a violent wind. In addition to the roof, a homeowner must evaluate the stability of the windows, doors, and garage. If any of these systems fail, a home could suffer a far more significant loss than necessary if a hurricane, tropical storm, or windstorm strikes.
3. Anchor Outdoor Accessories
Lawn and patio furniture, planters and pots, grills and fireplaces, garbage cans and recycling bins, sports and playground equipment, and other standalone items can be tossed wildly into the air during a strong windstorm. Consequently, these accessories become potentially dangerous weapons unless safely anchored or stored inside a garage or shed.
4. Trim Or Remove Trees & Shrubs
During a mighty windstorm, or hurricane, a home is vulnerable to attack from adjacent trees and other vegetation. Dead or dying trees can topple onto the home or become dangerous projectiles. Tree branches or limbs close to or touching a house, especially the roof, can cause severe damage to the house. Manage trees responsibly to minimize costly problems.
5. Inspect & Repair Your Roof
Fix what’s broken. It seems like a simple mantra. However, if you don’t know what needs repairing, contact a knowledgeable roofing contractor. They can assist with analyzing your roofing system to identify areas requiring repair, reinforcement, or replacement. Loose shingles, rotted underlayment, and damaged fascia can weaken a roofing system.
Hiring An Experienced Roofing Professional
If you’re a Florida homeowner, consider hurricane clips an effective means to strengthen your home against severe weather. At Alan’s Roofing, we help homeowners reinforce their homes through various methods, including, but not limited to, hurricane clips.
Contact us today to hear more about our roofing services or to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.
